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GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4304 Posts

Initially Posted - 08/10/2009 : 21:12:02

I was looking at my trailer today and noticed I have a Dico 6000# hydraulic Brake Coupler for use with a 2" ball. Since our boat/trailer combo's typically weigh 7000#+ ready to roll, I'm wondering if I need to upgrade my coupler to the 7,500# model for use with a 2-5/16" ball?

I also noticed that the receiver hitch on my 1999 1/2 ton Chevy 1500 Silverado and 2004 Ford F150 pickups are rated for 500lb tongue weight and 5,000lb max capacity. Do I need to upgrade this too?

I will only be towing about 30 miles over relatively smooth back roads and 55 mph or less. I'll only tow a couple of times a year. If I were going to be towing any farther than this or on a more regular schedule I'd upgrade both truck and trailer.

Any advice or input would be greatly appreciated.

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GaryB
Andiamo
'89 SR/WK #5862
Kemah,TX

Edited by - on

Ed Cassidy
Captain

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USA
365 Posts

Response Posted - 08/11/2009 : 05:57:11

My 2 cents. From a mechanical point of view, I believe your setup can handle the load. From all other points of view, I think you are asking for trouble. Law enforcement won't stop you and check your hitch capacity but if you are ever involved in an accident in those 30 miles, all fingers will point to the inadaquate brakes and undersized hitch. I had an accident pulling a large horse trailer and because the trailer brakes did not lock up and leave skid marks, I had to prove they were working, even though the other person pulled out in front of me. I was able to lock the brakes with the brake controller and pull the trailer a couple feet and all was well.

Edited by - on

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 08/11/2009 : 11:35:36

The trailer I bought, a C-25 trailer, has a 2" ball coupler.

If there is a commercial truck scale near you, it would be a good idea to weigh your truck and trailer just before pulling the boat out and again after you get the boat on the trailer. Usually they charge only $1 for the second weight if done within 24 hours. The difference will tell you what the boat weighs.
If you've never done this, at a truck stop CAT scale, there are 3 sections to the scale. Park your truck on the first section so that the trailer jack and axles are on the second section. Lower the jack wheel onto the scale so that the tongue weight is off of the truck. On the ticket they will give you, the first number (steer axle) will be the weight of your truck. The second number (drive axle) will be the weight of the trailer. When you repeat the process with the boat on the trailer, the second number will, of course, be the weight of your boat and trailer.
Recently I rented our trailer to a fellow club member who purchased a 1983 C-25 and needed to haul it from Huntsville, AL to middle Tennessee. I don't know what truck he used, but he said the trailer performed well (except for a tire that acted up and had to be changed - I gave him 2 spares for the trip).

Edited by - dmpilc on 08/11/2009 11:47:11

GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4304 Posts

Response Posted - 08/11/2009 : 16:02:56

Ed - I have to believe you are right in what you're saying. I don't like being out of compliance with the laws. I hate having to look over my shoulder!

On another note, I tried to get the cap off of the brake reservoir today and it's made out of some type of plastic and would not come loose. I can't afford it right now but I will plan to purchase the 7,500# hitch coupler as soon as I can afford it. The only reason I'll be pulling boat anyway is if we get a hurricane. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that doesn't happen this year! I'm also toying with the idea of upgrading to disk brakes.

David - I have two truck scales near my work which is only 25 minutes from the boat. One scale is 1/2 mile from my office.

I found a website that discussed the exact trailer I have. Apparently it weighs approx. 1300# empty. I'm hoping to get a good idea how much my boat weighs tomorrow when they pull it. The yard manager mentioned the Travel Lift has some type of scales built into the lifting straps. I'm not sure how accurate they are. I'm hoping they are close to accurate as I need them to set the boat on the trailer so I can adjust the bunks. They told me the keel should have 60% of the weight and the bunks 40%. Will see what happens tomorrow!

Edited by - on

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 08/11/2009 : 16:32:44

I had trouble getting the brake fluid reservoir cap off of mine until i realized it screws off.

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.